Youth Worker

Final date to receive applications 6/24/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)

Job

Title:

Youth Worker I

Pay Grade: 10

Salary: $37,778.40 Annually

Shift Premium – $2.13 an hour between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Shift Premium – $1.13 an hour between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.

Weekend Premium – $2.13 per hour

Holiday Premium – $2.13 per hour

Executive Branch | Full Time | Eligible for Overtime Pay | 18A | 40.0 hr/week

163 Woodsbend Boys Camp Road

West Liberty, KY 41472 USA

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice is a multi‑faceted agency that serves juveniles of the Commonwealth. While striving to hold youth accountable for their actions, the Department creates opportunities for sentenced, committed, probated, or detained youth to develop social and career skills that will equip them for re‑entry into their communities as productive and responsible citizens.

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice seeks to serve youth in the least restrictive, appropriate placement possible. We aspire to be a premier team of professionals committed to providing life‑changing services resulting in the positive transformation of children, families, and communities.

This is a highly responsible position in the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The employee is expected to perform all duties to the best of their ability, act in a responsible manner at all times, demonstrate leadership qualities, and treat all staff, youth, and persons with respect. This is a demanding position that requires maturity, reliability, and self‑discipline. Career growth and advancement are encouraged through training and mentoring opportunities.

Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due to other applicable state or federal laws, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis.

• Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting.
• At beginning level, supervises and monitors activities of DJJ juveniles; assists juveniles in interpersonal skill development.
• Escorts juveniles between various institutional areas.
• Takes appropriate action during emergencies to prevent escapes and suppress disorder.
• Maintains shift logs on juvenile’s activities and notifies supervisors of issues; completes incident reports as needed; assists juveniles in complaint procedures.
• Performs counts and, or, wellness checks for juveniles.
• Monitors individuals entering and leaving institutional grounds.
• Maintains approved physical restraint technique certifications as required by DJJ policies.
• Provides support services for routine maintenance, checks premises and ensures safety of juveniles; attends staff meetings, case conferences and trainings.
• Must be able to exert physical effort in the proper restraint of residents based on behavior.
• May perform other physical efforts in assisting youth with recreational and work related projects.
• Position is deemed essential and has been designated for mandatory operations by the Appointing Authority; therefore the incumbent is not eligible for Adverse Weather Leave.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license for the length of employment in this classification.
• May be required to work overtime and any shift as needed and directed.
• Must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy; which entails two weeks on the job training, four weeks (Monday – Friday) at the academy training location (Louisville, Kentucky).
• Overnight lodging and travel is required for the ACT and provided by the department.
• Applicants must successfully pass a physical examination and be able to perform all essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation. The cost of the physical examination will be billed through the employee’s health insurance; however, any applicable co‑pays will be reimbursed by the department.

Typically works in a day treatment, group home, or residential facility, or community office setting. May be exposed to hazards and dangers associated with operating a motor vehicle while providing transportation services.

This…